Abstract:

An instrument cluster for a passenger vehicle may comprise a trim element
that may comprise a leading portion nearest a passenger area, a trailing
portion furthest from the passenger area, and a light transmissive
portion. The instrument cluster may comprise an applique proximate the
trailing portion of the trim element and a circuit comprising at least
one illumination device. The trim element may be configured so that light
is transmitted from the at least one illumination device through the
leading portion toward the passenger area when the at least one
illumination device emits light.

Claims:

1. An instrument cluster for a passenger vehicle, comprising:a trim
element comprising a leading portion nearest a passenger area, a trailing
portion furthest from the passenger area, and a light transmissive
portion;an applique proximate the trailing portion of the trim element;
anda circuit comprising at least one illumination device;wherein the trim
element is configured so that light is transmitted from the at least one
illumination device through the leading portion toward the passenger area
when the at least one illumination device emits light.

2. The instrument cluster of claim 1, wherein the leading portion
comprises the light transmissive portion.

5. The instrument cluster of claim 4, wherein the sides of the trim barrel
are configured to transmit light from the at least one illumination
device a predetermined distance beyond the sides of the trim barrel.

6. The instrument cluster of claim 4, wherein the trim barrel comprises an
at least partially translucent material configured to scatter light from
the at least one illumination device.

7. The instrument cluster of claim 4, wherein the trim barrel comprises a
non-transmissive portion configured to block light emitted from the at
least one illumination device.

8. The instrument cluster of claim 7, wherein the non-transmissive portion
comprises an etched portion configured to allow light to be transmitted
through the etched portion when the at least one illumination device
emits light.

9. The instrument cluster of claim 4, wherein the at least one
illumination device comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes
positioned between the leading portion and the trailing portion.

10. The instrument cluster of claim 9, wherein the plurality of light
emitting diodes are configured to emit light in a predetermined sequence
to provide a three-dimensional effect at the trim element.

11. The instrument cluster of claim 1, wherein the at least one
illumination device comprises at least one light emitting diode.

12. A lighting device for a passenger vehicle, comprising:an instrument
panel comprising a mounting area;an instrument cluster mounted to the
instrument panel at the mounting area, the instrument cluster comprising
a trim element having a back portion, a leading portion nearest a
passenger area, a trailing portion furthest from the passenger area, and
at least one light transmissive portion;an applique proximate the
trailing portion of the trim element; andan illumination device located
proximate the back portion of the trim element, the illumination device
configured to transmit light through the leading portion toward the
passenger area when the illumination device emits light.

13. The lighting device of claim 12, wherein the leading portion comprises
the light transmissive portion.

15. The lighting device of claim 14, wherein the sides of the trim barrel
are configured to transmit light from the at least one illumination
device a predetermined distance beyond a surface of the at least one trim
barrel.

16. The lighting device of claim 14, wherein the trim barrel comprises an
at least partially translucent material configured to scatter light from
the at least one illumination device.

17. The lighting device of claim 14, wherein the trim barrel comprises a
non-transmissive portion configured to block light emitted from the at
least one illumination device.

18. The lighting device of claim 17, wherein the non-transmissive portion
comprises an etched portion configured to allow light to be transmitted
through the etched portion when the at least one illumination device
emits light.

19. The lighting device of claim 14, wherein the at least one illumination
device comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes positioned between
the leading portion and the trailing portion.

20. The lighting device of claim 19, wherein the plurality of light
emitting diodes are configured to emit light in a predetermined sequence
to provide a three-dimensional effect at the trim element.

Description:

FIELD

[0001]The present application relates generally to the field of automotive
displays, and particularly to instrument clusters and trim elements for
vehicles.

BACKGROUND

[0002]Many vehicles include instrument clusters which display various
types of information. This information may include instrumentation such
as a speedometer, tachometer, fuel level gauge, etc. This information may
also include a seat belt indicator, low-fuel warning, a check engine
warning, an engine temperature warning, an anti-lock brake indicator, a
traction control indicator, tire-pressure warnings, and/or other
indicators. This information may further include turn signal indicators.

[0003]Many instrument panels and instrument clusters are designed for day
and night displays. Accordingly, instrument clusters are often designed
to provide readable information during the day and night, utilizing
various types of lighting systems. Despite the large number of known
lighting systems utilized for instrument panels and instrument clusters,
most known systems typically do not provide certain aesthetically
pleasing features and characteristics.

[0004]Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a system and method
which provides for an instrument cluster lighted barrel trim ring
comprising a leading portion, which faces a vehicle passenger, that may
be illuminated and that directs light toward the vehicle passenger and
away from the face of the applique and/or gauge. It would further be
advantageous to provide an instrument cluster lighted barrel trim ring
that may comprise light transmissive or diffusive materials that enables
the sides of the barrel to be illuminated and/or to transmit light away
from the sides of the barrel. It would further be advantageous to provide
an instrument cluster lighted barrel trim ring having multiple layers of
lights to create an illusion of dimension or depth through the barrel
trim ring. It would be desirable to provide a system and method that
provides any one or more of these or other advantageous features.

[0005]The teachings herein extend to those embodiments which fall within
the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they address one
or more of the above-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY

[0006]According to one embodiment, an instrument cluster for a passenger
vehicle comprises a trim element comprising a leading portion nearest a
passenger area, a trailing portion furthest from the passenger area, and
a light transmissive portion, an applique proximate the trailing portion
of the trim element, and a circuit comprising at least one illumination
device. The trim element is configured so that light is transmitted from
the at least one illumination device through the leading portion toward
the passenger area when the at least one illumination device emits light.

[0007]According to another embodiment, a lighting device for a passenger
vehicle comprises an instrument panel comprising a mounting area, an
instrument cluster mounted to the instrument panel at the mounting area,
the instrument cluster comprising a trim element having a back portion, a
leading portion nearest a passenger area, a trailing portion furthest
from the passenger area, and at least one light transmissive portion, an
applique proximate the trailing portion of the trim element, and an
illumination device located proximate the back portion of the trim
element, the illumination device configured to transmit light through the
leading portion toward the passenger area when the illumination device
emits light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an instrument cluster
according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0009]FIG. 2 is a side plan view of an instrument cluster according to an
exemplary embodiment;

[0010]FIG. 3 is a side plan view of an instrument cluster according to an
exemplary embodiment;

[0011]FIG. 4 is a side plan view of an instrument cluster according to an
exemplary, embodiment;

[0012]FIG. 5 is a side plan view of an instrument cluster according to an
exemplary embodiment; and

[0013]FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a process for forming an instrument
cluster according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014]Referring to FIG. 1, an instrument cluster 20 is shown according to
an exemplary embodiment. Instrument cluster 20 is an assemblage of parts
configured to provide automobile data from a plurality of automobile
systems to an operator of the automobile and/or to passengers of the
automobile. Instrument cluster 20 comprises a housing 22 configured to be
fixedly mounted to an instrument panel 10 of an automobile at one or more
locations on instrument panel 10, such as in front of the operator, near
the center stack, etc., or even in an overhead compartment coupled to the
headliner of the vehicle. Instrument cluster 20 may be coupled to
instrument panel 10 at any suitable mounting area. Instrument cluster 20
is suitable for use with an automobile, which can be any passenger
vehicle used for land transportation, such as a car, minivan, truck, etc.
According to alternative embodiments, the instrument cluster and panel
may be used with any type of vehicle, such as water vehicles, air
vehicles, etc.

[0016]Referring now to FIG. 2, instrument cluster 20 is illustrated in
greater detail. Instrument cluster 20 comprises a circuit board 32 (e.g.,
printed circuit board) having a plurality of illumination devices 52
(e.g., light sources, light emitting diodes, incandescent bulbs, etc.),
an applique 36 having indicia such as speed and RPM markings, light
guides or light pipes (e.g., plastic or other material configured to
transmit light) which can be shaped in the form of tick marks (e.g.,
lines, arrows, circles, etc.), and a trim element 46 (e.g., a bezel, a
trim ring, a barrel, tunnel, etc.) having a lens 48 (optional). According
to an exemplary embodiment, the circuit board may include a control
circuit or be coupled to a control circuit. The control circuit coupled
to the circuit board and/or the circuit board comprising the control
circuit can comprise one or more analog and/or digital electrical or
electronic components, and may include a microprocessor, microcontroller,
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable logic,
and/or other circuit elements. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
control circuit is configured to receive data via one or more electrical
wires or buses from a plurality of automobile systems within the
automobile. For example, the control circuit can be configured to receive
fuel data from a fuel level sensor and engine oil temperature data from
an engine oil temperature sensor on an automobile. According to various
exemplary embodiments, the circuit board may be a printed circuit board,
a flexible circuit board, a rigid circuit board, conductive foil, and/or
other suitable form.

[0017]According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of illumination
devices 52 comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs) 34 on circuit board 32
which transmit light through applique 36 and through trim element 46.
Trim element 46 may comprise a plurality of trim rings, tunnels, or
barrels 54 (shown as a portion of portion of displays 26, 28, 30 in FIG.
1). Each trim ring 54 may comprise a leading portion 64 (e.g., a leading
edge), a trailing portion 66 (e.g., a trailing edge), an outer surface
68, and an inner surface 70. Trim element 46 may be configured so that
light emitted from LEDs 34 is transmitted through at least one of leading
portion 64, outer surface 68 and inner surface 70 (e.g., leading portion
64, outer surface 68 and inner surface 70 may be light transmissive
portions of trim element 46). According to an exemplary embodiment,
leading portion 64, outer surface 68 and inner surface 70 may be at least
partially translucent to transmit light from LEDs 34 when LEDs 34 emit
light. According to an embodiment, the leading portion or edge is
proximate a vehicle passenger for viewing by the vehicle passenger.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the LED may be positioned between
the trim element and the applique. According to various exemplary
embodiments, providing a trim element closer to a vehicle occupant than
an applique allows for 3-D effects, interesting trim details,
entertainment during a startup or shut down sequence, supplemental
indicators or turn signals, etc.

[0018]According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, trim element
46 may be configured so that light only passes through leading portion
64. According to an exemplary embodiment, leading portion 64 may comprise
a suitable light transmissive material. Outer surfaces 68 and inner
surfaces 70 may be configured to block and/or restrict the transmission
of light from illumination devices 52 (e.g., LEDs 34). According to an
exemplary embodiment, outer surfaces 68 and inner surfaces 70 may
comprise a treatment such as a masking paint, film, or foil which may be
applied to the surfaces to block light emitted from illumination devices
52 (and thereby produce a light pipe to produce the lighted effect
through leading portion 64). According to various alternative
embodiments, any other suitable technique may be used to produce the
effect of light through the leading portion but not through the outer and
inner surfaces of the trim element. According to an exemplary embodiment,
leading portion 64 may comprise a metallic or foil appearance. Leading
portion 64 can include a treatment comprising a reflective metallic
substance or coating to create a bezel-like appearance. The coating
enables leading portion 64 to be at least partially translucent in order
to reflect light from the occupant area of the vehicle as well as
transmit emitted light from LEDs 34 through to the occupant area of the
vehicle.

[0019]According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, trim element
46 may be configured so that light only passes through at least one of
outer surfaces 68 and inner surfaces 70. According to an exemplary
embodiment, outer surfaces 68 and inner surfaces 70 may comprise a
suitable light transmissive material. Leading portion 64 may be
configured to block and/or restrict the transmission of light from
illumination devices 52 (e.g., LEDs 34). According to an exemplary
embodiment, leading portion 64 may comprise a treatment such as a masking
paint, film, or foil which may be applied to the leading portion to block
light emitted from illumination devices 52. According to an exemplary
embodiment, leading portion 64 may comprise hydrographic or foil metallic
material to produce "dead-fronting" or non-illumination along portion 64.
Trim element 46 may comprise a material that creates a "glowing effect"
therein when illumination devices 52 emit light. For example, trim
element 46 may comprise a material that diffuses or scatters light in
multiple directions instead of directing all light to a particular
location. According to an exemplary embodiment, the trim element material
may be at least partially reflective and may scatter light to create the
glowing effect. According to, another exemplary embodiment, the trim
element may comprise phosphorus that is exited by an ultraviolet LED to
produce a glowing effect. According to various alternative embodiments,
any other suitable method of creating a glowing effect throughout may be
used. According to an exemplary embodiment, trim element 46 may be
configured to emit light beyond surfaces 68 and 70. Light may be
transmitted from illumination devices 52, through light transmissive
surfaces 68 and 70, and to a location beyond surfaces 68 and 70.

[0020]According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, outer surfaces
68 and inner surfaces 70 may be configured to block and/or restrict the
transmission of light from illumination devices 52 (e.g., LEDs 34).
According to an exemplary embodiment, outer surfaces 68 and inner
surfaces 70 may comprise a treatment such as a masking paint, film, or
foil which may be applied to the surfaces to block light emitted from
illumination devices 52. As shown in FIG. 4, various patterns 80 may be
etched into the light blocking materials of surfaces 68 and 70. A flood
light or other suitable light may be used to transmit light onto etched
patterns 80 or other reflective surface. The etchings may be embedded in
a translucent sheet by disrupting the form of the sheet to create visual
markings that will result in the outward transmission of light that is
piped into the translucent trim element. This may be done by etching the
trim element, changing the topography of the trim element, embossing the
trim element, tool texturing the trim element, transferring an in-mold
graphic to the trim element, foil painting the trim element, changing the
crystal structure of the trim element, or by any other suitable
technique. According to one embodiment, the etchings or markings are
added in a molding step when the trim element is formed. The etchings or
markings may be formed in a translucent trim element in three dimensions
(e.g., by laser etching a 3-D image in the trim element) such that a
resulting image has a three dimensional appearance. The 3-D image may be
formed using a technique similar to Crystology 3-D to form 3-D images in
various products.

[0021]According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of
illumination devices 52 may be utilized to produce a layered lighting
effect along trim element 46. Illumination devices 52 may be coupled to
one of surfaces 68, 70, a flange 82, circuit 32, or other structure along
trim element 46 between leading portion 64 and trailing portion 66.
According to an exemplary embodiment, illumination devices 52 may be
configured to be located within a portion of trim element 46 (as shown at
portion 81). According to another exemplary embodiment, illumination
devices 52 may be configured to be located along an outer portion of trim
element 46 (as shown at portion 83). Illumination devices 52 may be
configured to emit light in a predetermined sequence along a length of
trim element 46 (e.g., between portions 66 and 64) to create an
impression of a layered or three-dimensional depth. According to various
exemplary embodiments, illumination devices 52 may be configured to emit
light according to any suitable sequence or function (e.g., the
illumination devices may be configured to light up at vehicle start-up in
a sequence, produce a strobe effect, etc.).

[0022]According to an exemplary embodiment, any of the light transmissive
portions of the trim element may be configured to transmit light in
combination with other light transmissive portions according to any
suitable configuration. For example, leading portion 64, inner surface 70
and outer surface 68 may be configured to each transmit light from
illumination devices 52 at the same time when illumination devices 52
emit light. According to an alternative embodiment, only leading portion
64 may transmit light when illumination devices 52 emit light. According
to an alternative embodiment, only surface 68 and/or 70 may transmit
light with illumination devices emit light.

[0023]According to an exemplary embodiment, illumination devices 52 may be
configured to emit light in conjunction with various functions of a
vehicle. For example, one or more of illumination devices 52 may be
configured to emit light when a vehicle operator utilizes a turn signal
(e.g., the leading portion of the left barrel may light up in unison with
the left turn signal to further demonstrate to the vehicle operator the
signal feature). According to another exemplary embodiment, three barrels
may light up in a red or other bright color when a check engine light
appears on the vehicle display. The additional lights provide added
safety features for a driver to draw attention to a potential problem or
provide awareness of a vehicle function. According to various exemplary
embodiments, the illumination devices may be any number of suitable
colors and may be configured to illuminate in conjunction with any number
of vehicle functions (e.g., vehicle start-up, high temperature, low oil,
low fuel, turn signals, high speeds, etc.).

[0024]According to various exemplary embodiments, the illuminated areas or
portions are observable during day and night when LEDs emit light.
According to an alternative embodiment, more than one portion (e.g.,
surface 68, surface 70, leading poriton 64, etc.) may be illuminated by a
single illumination device, such as a single LED that illuminates
multiple (and/or all) light transmissive portions. According to various
exemplary embodiments, the trim element, surfaces, edges or portions, and
illuminated portions may be any number of configurations. For example,
the etched patterns may be oval, triangular, rectangular, 3-D, 2-D, etc.

[0025]When not illuminated, trim element 46 may have a first visual state
where it is less noticeable. When illuminated, trim element 46 may have a
second visual state where it is more noticeable. The trim element may be
switched from the first visual state to the second visual state. Certain
portions of the trim element may be configured such that they can be
selectively switched from the first visual state to the second visual
state at the same time. According to an exemplary embodiment, a light
source is utilized such that there is a high contrast between the first
visual state and the second visual state for the trim element.

[0026]Any number of configurations may be used for the components or parts
of the instrument cluster. For example, appliques, sheets, and light
pipes may be planar, non-planar, curved, rectangular, ovular, irregularly
shaped, thick, a film, or may take some other suitable form. The parts
may be translucent. The parts may be formed from plastic, from a polymer,
from glass, acrylic and/or other suitable material. According to an
exemplary embodiment, a traditional lens of an instrument cluster can
serve as the sheet, which may be formed from a plastic material and may
have a substantially planar form. A clear sheet and light pipes would
result in transmission of light. The clarity of the sheet and light
pipes, the light source brightness, and the various other factors would
preferably be selected such that a sufficient amount of light can reach a
suitable location to be illuminated, but such that little or no light
would be able reach and illuminate other non-suitable locations.

[0027]Referring to FIG. 6, a method 100 for forming an instrument cluster
is illustrated. The method includes forming a circuit board having a
light source at a rear portion of the instrument cluster at block 202,
forming an applique at block 204, forming a trim element with one or more
light transmissive portion at block 206, and attaching the trim element,
applique and circuit board at block 208. The method may include attaching
a trim element carrying indicia and illuminating light pipes, tick marks,
indicia, and a rear area of the trim element. Forming the trim element
having light transmissive portions may include molding the trim element
in a manner configured to carry indicia (e.g. segregating indicia from
each other, utilizing a molded score, etching the trim element, changing
the topography of the trim element, embossing the trim element, tool
texturing the trim element, transferring an in-mold graphic to the trim
element, foil painting the trim element, a combination of these steps, or
some other step).

[0028]Installation of the components at each block may comprise using snap
connections, clip connections, adhesives, welding (e.g., sonic, laser,
etc.), and/or other suitable means. Illumination from the light sources
may include illuminating the light transmissive portions with one or more
than one light source. The illumination may be in response to a value of
a measured parameter, to a change in a vehicle condition, and/or to user
input. The illuminating may be based on ignition of the engine and/or may
be in response to a change in state of an accessory (e.g., radio, air
conditioning, heat, interior lamp, navigation system, etc.). The trim
element may be positioned either on the surface of the instrument panel
adjacent to a gauge, on an instrument cluster lens surface, or at any
other suitable surface or location.

[0029]The construction and arrangement of the elements of the system as
shown in the exemplary, preferred and alternative embodiments is
illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in
detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this
disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible
(e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and
proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting
arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without
materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the
subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed
may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts
may be integrally formed, the operation of fasteners, connectors, etc.
may be reversed or otherwise varied, etc. It should be noted that the
elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a
wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability,
including any of a wide variety of moldable plastic materials (such as
high-impact plastic or plastic having various coatings, such as
hard-coating material) in any of a wide variety of colors, textures and
combinations. It should also be noted that the system may be used in
association with any of a wide variety of types of components and/or
features such as digital displays, electronic displays, etc. Accordingly,
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of
the present system. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and
omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement
of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from
the scope of the present system.